Your home’s HVAC system needs many components to make it run efficiently. It needs an air filter to keep dust and dirt away from it. It needs duct-sealing materials to prevent airflow leaks. And, it needs insulation to prevent thermal heat gain and loss. What follows is helpful information to make sure your HVAC system has what it needs to do its job.
HVAC Insulation: Inspecting Insulation
HVAC insulation should be located on the air ducts. Air ducts are typically installed in areas that don’t receive heated and cooled airflow. This may include an unconditioned attic, basement, and/or crawl space. The HVAC insulation helps prevent heat gain and loss to these unconditioned areas.
Take a look at your air ducts to see if they have insulation installed. They may be wrapped with fiberglass insulation or have rigid foam board applied to them. If your air ducts aren’t insulated, you can save energy and improve home comfort by installing it.
HVAC Insulation: Duct Sealing
Before you install HVAC insulation, the air ducts should be checked for air leaks and loose joints. If there are air leaks and joint problems, these need to be repaired before installing insulation.
For the best results, contact your HVAC technician to do the job. If you’re going to repair ducts yourself, you’ll need the right tools and materials.
- For sealing air leaks, use a paintbrush to apply mastic sealant to air leaks, which are typically located at duct joints.
- When repairing duct joints, use a heat-resistant metal duct tape to wrap duct joints.
HVAC Insulation: Installation
There are a few different types of HVAC insulation to choose from. The most common insulation types are fiberglass batts and rigid foam board. Fiberglass batts work well to wrap round ducts. Rigid foam board may only be used for square ducts. Foam board can be cut to fit and applied with an industrial adhesive. When wrapping ducts with fiberglass batts, be careful to not compress the insulation tightly. Seal any seams with metal duct tape.
For help with HVAC insulation issues in your Indianapolis-area home, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
